Official Updates from USFFA

May 24, 2020
Update on Talks with Administration

Dear Colleagues,

We want to update you on the discussions we have had with the University of San Francisco Administration. You may also receive a message from the Administration in the very near future. The content of their message reflects the current thinking of the Administration and we acknowledge that they wish to provide clarification. Do not interpret the content of their letter as signifying that an agreement between the University Administration and the University of San Francisco Faculty Association (USFFA) has been reached. 

The USFFA and the University Administration have met numerous times, starting Monday, May 18, where the Administration first presented their formal written “concepts” requesting faculty help to manage the forecasted net revenue shortfall. Following a meeting of the USFFA Policy Board and members on Wednesday, May 20, where the concepts were discussed, our team met again with the Administration on Thursday, May 21, Saturday, May 23, and again Sunday, May 24. Each meeting lasted several hours. We had a productive dialogue concerning the financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis, clarified some misunderstandings, and found some common ground. We discussed sending a joint update. However, the Administration has told us that they have decided to issue their own statement. 

We provided the University Administration with a counter-concept for sabbatical postponement. During the meetings we discussed some alternative concepts and questions. One critical point in their concept, pertaining to a date change for probationary faculty non-renewal notifications, became a sticking point. We sought clarification on the direct financial savings associated with this concept and have yet to receive a concrete reply. After some discussion, the Administration has offered flexibility on the date but signalled their unwillingness to remove the concept.

We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable and especially the jobs of our junior colleagues. We have met with probationary faculty and have heard their anxiety and concern through multi-hour discussions and a survey. For this reason, we continue to ask the Administration to remove this item entirely from the formal written concepts and not to send non-renewal notifications. We are ready to submit counter concepts that we believe will make up for any projected savings of non-renewals and could, thus, alleviate the need to take this measure. 

We have another meeting scheduled tomorrow (Monday) morning with the Administration. Additionally, we have a USFFA Policy Board meeting on Wednesday, May 27, and a USFFA General Membership meeting on Thursday, May 28, to discuss these issues with you. We hope to see you there.

In solidarity,

Your USFFA Contingency Planning Team